Description

Rattlesnake pasta is a bold and creamy Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender sliced chicken, spicy bell peppers, and fettuccine tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with a kick. Perfect for spice lovers looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, this dish combines vibrant flavors and a smooth, creamy texture without any actual rattlesnake meat.

Ingredients

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine pasta

Protein

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

Seasonings & Spices

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Optional: sliced jalapeños for garnish

Dairy

1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Herbs

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional: additional Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
Season Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning to infuse bold, spicy flavor.
Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the seasoned chicken strips for 5–6 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté the sliced red and green bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained fettuccine pasta and toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and garnish with sliced jalapeños or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh jalapeños.
Substitute shrimp or andouille sausage if you prefer a different protein.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it will be thinner and less rich.